Herb Family Church History Tour- Day 3

Today was our first full day to explore Nauvoo. Unfortunately, we woke up to rain. Now the rain was a double-edged sword because while it was wet outside and a little yucky, it also made the temperature drop and many of the larger groups didn't show up for their reservations so it was helpful to us. 
We started our morning at the visitor's center. We explored there and did a little scavenger hunt. The prize for the scavenger hunt was a Nauvoo brick.  

The sweet missionaries working at the visitor's center told us to check the standby lines for many of the tours because the rain was causing cancellations and no-shows. 
So we headed over to the wagon tours. We were able to walk right on to the tour that was leaving next and it was perfect. The kids loved the horses and we all enjoyed the history lessons during the tour.

 

The rain had let up at this point, so while it was wet it wasn't pouring on us so we were happy. 

 

I love these picture of the boys and I. Benson cracks me up with his faces. 

 

 We loved our wagon ride and the it's one of our favorite ways to learn about Nauvoo. 

After our wagon ride we went next door to the family activity center. The kids spent a long time here learning about life in the 1830-1840's. They have so many fun activities that teach the kids how life was and how lucky we are to have all our modern conveniences. 

These little boys loved making rope. 

  

The kids also enjoyed the candle making. 

 

We also learned about wool. 

 

I think Bailey and Tucker's favorite thing was the rug making. The loved weaving the fabric. 

 

The kids also loved packing and loading the pretend wagon. They had to remove all the supplies from the shelves and get them all to fit nicely in the wagon. They loved this. They did it more than once and tried to see how fast they could do it. 

After playing there some of the group went to tour the gunshop and the school, while the other kids went to the Pioneer Past times to play all the games. 

Tanner and raced around on the stilts. 

 

Bailey tolerated me making her play dress up. She's getting to big and too cool. 

 

I did have to get a picture of the girls are dressed up with the sister missionaries. I really can't believe the sisters wear this type of clothing all the time. It would be so hot. But totally worth it because what a cool place to serve a mission. 

 

 

Then we went back to our hotel room for lunch and afterwards, Bailey, Hazel, Tucker, Aunt Stephanie and I went back to the visitors center to watch a musical play. It was pretty cute. It's amazing how much talent those young missionaries have. 

Then we toured the blacksmith shop. Our ancestors, the Webb Brothers, own and operated this shop. 

The kids were tired at this point but they still were a great audience and paid attention. 

 

 

We also got to see "the Mansion House" where Emma and Joseph lived. We weren't able to tour it because the Community of Christ owns it still, but it was cool to read about. 

We also saw the "Nauvoo House" which was meant to serve as a boarding house/hotel as people arrived in Nauvoo for the first time. Again, our church doesn't own this so we didn't tour it. 

Lastly, we did shop in the Red Brick Store and that was cool. Benson loved the little top he got from there. 

Next to all the Community of Christ properties are the gravestones for Joseph, Emma and Hyrum. 

We also got to see the gravestone for Joseph Smith Sr and Lucy Mack. 

Then we went back to our hotel and ate dinner. It was nice to relax for a bit and then it was back out to watch the Nauvoo pageant. 

But we left a little early so we could play all the pioneer games. 

Tucker, Bailey and Paige loved making these little necklaces and headbands. 

Then we did cart races. It was so fun. At one point Chase and Tanner pulled the moms and then the moms pulled them. 

 

 

 

Chris gave some of the kids a ride and then Uncle Phillip and Benson got a ride from the other kids. 

 

Then it was time for the pageant. It was as amazing as I remembered it being. 

I love Nauvoo so much and this pageant only strengthen that love. 
The stories and testimonies are so incredible and it makes it feel as if the saints were there just the day before. I love it and I love visiting Nauvoo. 

That's the end of our day. We are all exhausted but we had a great day. 
We have one more full day tomorrow and then we have to drive home. 

Stay tuned for tomorrow's fun.